Backgrounder: University of Georgia Homecoming

By Lauren Diaz

Since 1922, students, alumni, faculty and staff, and members of the Athens-Clarke community
have gathered together to celebrate Homecoming Week at the University of Georgia. This years
festivities, centered around the theme Home Is Where the Arch Is, will showcase the traditions
and spirit that characterize the university.

On Oct 9., Homecoming Week will begin with the Bulldog Bash at Tate Plaza. Students and
organizations can celebrate with free food, prizes, and the opportunity to dunk the Homecoming
Court. Throughout the week, the community can attend the free events organized by the
Committee, including the Lip Sync Battle, Stop and Serve, Homecoming Parade and Carnival.

In the years since 1936, when the Biftad Club first awarded a cup to the most decorated
fraternity, sorority, or dormitory, additional spirit competitions were introduced to show the
growing traditions of UGA. Now, student organizations participating in the Spirit of
Homecoming can earn points through several competitions, including street paint and banner
decorations. The greatest points are earned from the overall presentation, theme development and
creativity of the organizations parade float or spirit vehicle that will run along E. Clayton Street
on Oct. 13.

According to Risa Matsumura, these events are the perfect time for students to meet the
Homecoming Court, and for the Court to interact with the student body they have been chosen to
represent. This is an opportunity for us to get to know different students around campus, she
said. Tell me how your day has been, whats going on in your life, and let me serve as a
resource if you are struggling or have any questions.

Homecoming Week comes to an end on Oct. 14 at Sanford Stadium, where thousands will unite
to cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs against the Missouri Tigers. Of all the Homecoming traditions,
Jacquelyn Faye Harms said it warms her heart to have the alumni cheerleaders, band members,
and football players cheer on the Dawgs in front of the student section. She imagines herself in
their shoes, and added that she can see herself coming back to UGA, years to come, and having
a student body that will welcome [her] with open arms to celebrate the fine institution this place
is.

Homecoming is not only a celebration of the traditions and spirit of the university, but it is a time
where members of the Bulldog nation, either past, present, or future, can come home. Joshua
Kenway, who is from London, said he felt completely removed from his family and high school
friends. However, Kenway said that the amazing friendships you build, the professors you
interact with, and the arch itself represent a true home at the University of Georgia.

To stay updated with Homecoming notifications and events, follow UGA Homecoming on
Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ugahomecoming
#homeiswherethearchis #ugahomecoming
Research Sources
UGA Today
http://news.uga.edu/releases/article/homecoming-2017/

UGA Homecoming Website

https://www.ugahomecoming.com/history-of-homecoming

Spirit of Homecoming Handbook

https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/1199fa_fa02fa25a12e47558f6c0b350bc64529.pdf

Interview Sources
Ariana Burgan
Assistant Director for Communications
CommHC@uga.edu

Jacquelyn Faye Harms

Homecoming Court
Cellphone: (770) 846-6894

Joshua Kenway
Homecoming Court
Cellphone: (706) 201-8801

Risa Matsumura
Homecoming Court
Cellphone: (678) 977-1762